Georgia Awarded More AIDS Money

On Monday, federal officials awarded Georgia $65.6 million in Ryan White program funds to provide HIV treatment and services for low-income patients. Some AIDS service organizations had feared the flagging economy would lead to a smaller federal grant - even as more people, unemployed and lacking insurance, seek assistance. In fact, the state will receive an additional $2 million.

"It's an exciting moment," said Jeff Cheek, a Fulton County health administrator.

The 20-county Atlanta metro area received $20.3 million, up by $1.7 million over 2009. The region's allocation is a reflection of its being among the top 10 metro jurisdictions most affected by HIV/AIDS. Of Georgia's total cases, about 70 percent reside in metro Atlanta, said Cheek.

"We are the safety net," Cheek said. "We're seeing more and more people who are no longer employed and don't qualify for Medicaid and have no insurance."

"The care and services these grants support will help Americans living with HIV/AIDS to live longer, healthier lives," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

AIDGwinnett, which hosts a clinic of last resort for many poor patients, will receive $492,304, about half of its total budget. The patients seeking care today are younger than in the past, and many work in low-paying jobs that are quickly lost, said Larry Lehman, AIDGwinnett's executive director.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.


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